After the massacre, residents of  village in Baniyas spend night in woods

On the first day of Eid al-Fitr, a horrific tragedy rocked the village of Harf Banimra  in the Baniyas countryside of Tartous Governorate, where it was subjected to an armed attack by a masked armed group. This attack resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including the village headman, and left deep wounds in the bodies and souls of the survivors.

Reports circulated that the perpetrators of the attack belonged to an armed faction based in the Al-Disna camp near the village, prompting many families to flee for fear of a repeat of the massacres. The displaced spent the night in the wilderness and woods, their only companion being fear, despite reassurances issued by officials in the governorate. However, these assurances were not enough to return the residents to their homes, according to their testimony.

What heightened the impact of the crime was the image of the child tying his pants with a black ribbon, a scene reflecting his extreme poverty and inability to afford a belt. This image became a symbol of the suffering the village is experiencing and sparked widespread sympathy.

This crime comes in the context of a series of crimes that continue without serious deterrence from the relevant authorities, placing a heavy responsibility on them to protect citizens. With the recent escalation in kidnappings and murders, the Damascus authorities continue to evade and delay taking a decisive stance against these violations and holding their perpetrators accountable.

Sh-S

ANHA